The North-West University’s (NWU’s) campus in Mahikeng hosted the annual symposium and Africa Day celebrations in partnership with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) on 19 and 20 May 2017.

Luwellyn Landers, the deputy minister for international relations and cooperation and keynote speaker on the first day, spoke about the alignment of interests and collaborating to advance internationalisation in South Africa.

Also in attendance were the campus executive management, members of the executive managements from the NWU’s campuses in Potchefstroom and Vanderbijlpark, various ambassadors from African missions as well as Ambassador Bene M’poko, the Dean of African Ambassadors.

“The importance of internationalisation cannot be overstated, especially in aiding Africa’s integration agenda,” said the deputy minister during a panel discussion on aligning interests and collaborating to advance internationalisation in South Africa. “The premise of Africa being central to our foreign policy necessitates that our people take pride in their collective identity and work together as Africans in pursuit of a shared destiny.”

”In essence we need to share expertise and knowledge, particularly with other higher education institutions on the continent. For us to realise Agenda 2063, we must invest in skills development and innovation in science, technology, maritime, engineering and other scares skills,” he added.

In addition to the vibrant discussions about the challenges facing international students and minority groups in institutions of higher learning, students in attendance were treated to presentations by DIRCO representative Mr Mandla Masilela, on opportunities and career choices in the global arena.

The university management extended their gratitude to all community stakeholders, local traditional councils, various chiefs and heads of government departments as well as civil society organisations for attending and making the two-day symposium and Africa Day celebrations possible.

“The unwavering support of this campus’s community encourages us to organise such events,” said Prof Lumkile Lalendle, the campus vice rector for teaching, learning and quality assurance. “It truly was an honour to host Dikgosi, government heads, members of civil society and our students under one roof, celebrating what makes us African,” he concluded.

Luwellyn Landers, the deputy minister for international relations and cooperation, was the keynote speaker.